It has long been known that a larger tummy can lead to health complications including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. A recent study in the British Journal of Urology International found that it also affects men’s sexual and urinary health.

The authors found that a supersized tummy was linked to more frequent urination, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation problems. They studied 409 men ages 40 to 91 with lower urinary tract symptoms and found that a waist measurement of over 36 inches lead to progressively increasing likelihood of problems.

The comparison of symptoms associated with waistline size is broken down here.

Larger waist (>40 inches)

Medium Waist (36-40 inches)

Small Waist (<36 inches)

Nighttime Urination Frequency >1 x night

44%

29%

15%

Urination Frequency >8 x in 24 hrs

39%

27%

16%

Erectile Dysfunction

74.5%

32%

21%

Ejaculation Problems

65%

40%

21%

This is bad news for men with a typical “beer belly” or obesity. This study shows that approximately 10-15 men in 20 with waist sizes over 36 inches have significant problems with urinary and sexual function.

The good news is that waistline measurement is easy to perform either by a healthcare professional or at home. Then steps can be taken to eat better and exercise more to decrease urinary symptoms. A physical therapist can help with weight loss activities, especially if there are other health issues or pain that is preventing proper exercise. This can not only help urinary function, but improve bone health, heart health, and decrease the risks of diabetes.